since coming to the u.s. senate, i have worked to increase the number of north carolinians on our federal judiciary. unfortunately, it has turned out to be a rather slow and arduous process, and after months of making the case that north carolina deserves more representation on the fourth circuit last year, judges jim wynn and al diaz were confirmed unanimously by the united states senate. north carolina is better off because judges jim wynn and al diaz, highly qualified, experienced and fire-minded judges, are now serving on the fourth circuit, and it is my hope that very soon north carolina will have another federal judge with the confirmation of judge cogburn. all of these judges have received bipartisan support, and i am pleased that senator burr has joined with me in recommending these judges. i recommended judge cogburn because of his distinguished record as a swriewrist and attorney in both the public and private sectors. after earning degrees from sanford university cumberland school of law and u.n.c.